NC-EWeek_eBike Demos

Edit 0 2 …
For EWeek 2011, our family is donating one of the functioning eBikes as a demonstration and "test ride" setup. However, we are having difficulties choosing which eBike to feature:

eBike
 Pros
 Cons
 Comments
eZip Mountain Trailz
  1. Acquired for this purpose!
  2. By far cheapest available eBike on market,
    though even lower end version is current model
  3. Most likely purchased eBike
  4. Fits exercise stand
  1. Noisiest & heaviest of the eBikes
  2. Components are basic
  3. Often assembled by novice technicians,
    require adjustment by bike tech pro
 26" wheels
2006 Currie Drive
SLA battery
iZip Rapido 700c
  1. Acquired in part because Mtn Trailz
    is still under repair
  2. Very quiet and more representative of
    current bicycle technology
  3. Much lighter battery pack & frame
  1. Replacement of any damaged components
    most expensive of al WS eBikes
  2. Few attendees will be able to afford
    this eBike
  3. May require adapter to fit exercise stand
 700c wheels
Hub motor
Li Ion battery
Currie Mountain
eBike
  1. Oldest of demo eBikes, least concern over
    use at home
  2. Parts where found are relatively cheap
  3. Mixte frame, though higher bar than
    Mtn Trailz or Rapido
  1. Some repair parts are hard to find
  2. Shifting mechanism is not well tuned even
    after hours spent adjusting. Needs replacement
    rear shifter and front chain ring guard.
 26" wheels
USPD drive
SLA battery
eZip/iZip 500
eScooter
  1. Great demo vehicle for individuals
  2. Perhaps can have this apart to show the parts
  1. Doesn't fit exercise stand
  2. As heavy as two older Currie eBikes!
 12.5" wheels
USPD drive
SLA battery
Giant LaFree Lite
  1. No throttle version
  2. Light frame and NiMH battery
  1. Not a Mixte style, for tall people only!
  2. Battery can not be charged "in place"
 26" wheels
Bottom bracket drive
NiMH battery


Each option has their pros and cons as noted in the table above. Considering time available prior to the NCMLS EWeek demos, here is our current prioritization of effort:
  1. iZip Rapido: If this fits exercise stand, it is the best candidate to show off!
  2. eZip Mountain Trailz: next best candidate if work can be completed on the repairs and drive electronics to allow for other battery packs OR bring 4A charger and have attached all the time
  3. Currie Mountain eBike. If complete simple repairs, this is a good solid, mixte style for demonstration. Unfortunately not as representative of newer eBikes.
  4. eZip/iZip 500 scooter: great to have as second vehicle, especially if setup to show components, perhaps on a table.